Head of Volunteering at the South Western Ambulance Service NHS Foundation Trust (SWASFT) - Jane Whichello will be taking part in a charity skydive next week hoping to raise money to buy new Community Response Vehicles (CRVs) for the Trust’s volunteer Community First Responders.
The vehicles will enable the volunteers to get more quickly to patients who need help. Last financial year they responded to over 20,600 calls across the region, and, because of their efforts, people are alive today who otherwise wouldn’t have made it.
The volunteer Community First Responders play a vital role in helping the region’s ambulance service to respond to 999 calls and deliver emergency care to patients, often ahead of an ambulance arriving on scene.
Jane will be doing her tandem skydive on Wednesday 31st July in Netheravon, Sailsbury with fellow paramedic and Operations Officer, Ed Bowyer, who is a skydiving instructor. You can support Jane’s fundraising efforts by visiting her Just Giving page.
On the upcoming jump, Jane said: “Frankly, I am terrified – but it’s such a good cause it will be worth it.”
Head of the South Western Ambulance Charity, Zoe Larter, said: “What an incredible way to ‘jump’ start our Community Response Vehicle fundraising appeal!
“We are so proud of Jane for taking on this challenge, raising valuable funds to help us reach our ambitious £210,000 target.
“These brilliant vehicles introduce a new way for Community First Responders to support their front-line colleagues in the Ambulance Service and the communities they serve.”
The fundraising campaign is being run by the South Western Ambulance Charity and the ambition is to raise £30,000 for each of the seven SWASFT operational areas to buy, convert and equip a new car to support patients within the community. For more details about the charity’s fundraising campaign, visit their website.
Volunteer Community First Responders play a vital role in helping the region’s ambulance service to respond to 999 calls and deliver emergency care to patients, often ahead of an ambulance arriving on scene.
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